A PAEDOPHILE who sexually assaulted two young girls has been jailed for six years.

David Arthur Morris, 57, of Frankwell Street, Tywyn, Gwynedd, appeared in Caernarfon Crown Court yesterday for sentence after a trial last year found him guilty of four charges of sexual offences against two girls.

Prosecutor Gordon Hennell said one of the girls – then aged 11, now aged 28 – sometimes visited Morris’ home.

The eldest girl said Morris had “ruined her life”.

“She had failed at school and was a long-term drug user and unable to trust men.”

He said the younger girl, now aged 16 – was abused at aged nine and again between 13 and 14 – “was unable to trust males and had developed an eating disorder”.

Kim Halsall, defending, said the specific incidents had happened over a short time, during the summer of 1994.

The eldest girl had complained at the time and the matter was investigated.

The other offences against the youngest girl had taken place between 2002-2004 and 2008-2009.

Ms Halsall said Morris had been a man of good character, was previously employed and “did a lot with the Buffaloes”.

His Honour Judge Merfyn Hughes QC said: “A jury has found you guilty of four counts of indecent behaviour towards two young girls.

“With counts one and two against the girl of 11 years, you took advantage of her on two occasions. You pressed a hand on her thigh and asked her to kiss you.”

He added that Morris touched her sexually and simulated intercourse.

Judge Hughes said the incidents with the youngest girl happened at a public function when Morris kissed her.

The other incident happened when he arranged to meet her in his car and when she turned up outside the car Morris exposed himself.

Sentencing Morris to six years in prison, Judge Hughes said: “You will serve one half of your sentence in custody then eventually be released on licence.”

He ordered Morris to attend sex programmes run by the probation service and would have to remain on licence and register his address with police.

Afterwards, investigating officer PC Elaine Ball said: “We welcome today’s sentencing. It sends a clear message that North Wales Police will not tolerate these types of offences and will continue to dedicate resources to bring offenders to justice.

“Our thoughts are with the young girls whose lives have been affected by the actions of Morris and we hope the sentence will give them some kind of comfort.”